Diagnosis of Actors and Relational Flows of Camel Meat Value Chain in the Western South of Tunisia

Abstract

The current study aimed to analyze the camel meat sector in the western south of Tunisia (Kebili); and to determine the different actors in the camel meat value chain and the interweaving interactions between them. The survey used in this study involved a sample of breeders (18), butchers (7), slaughterhouses (2) and consumers (58). A mind map was drawn to position the actors and identify the relational flows between them in the camel meat value chain. The results showed that camel farming is organized in herds of varying size, and two herd groups were thus defined: one group of large-sized herds with an average of 94 ± 27 heads and a second group of medium-sized herds with an average of 34 ± 27 heads. The percentage of breeders managing large-sized herds was 56%, while those of medium-sized herds were 44%. Besides, the butchers are always the ones who slaughter the camels.The survey showed the presence of another influential actor in the camel meat value chain, the trader, whose role is highlighted through the establishment of the mind map, which revealed that the trader has a strong dependency relationship with the breeder and the butcher. Indeed, in order to have the raw material that is necessary for his business, the latter may purchase camels either from the trader or directly from the breeder in the livestock market. The mind map also showed a weak relationship between the official services and the breeder, the butcher, or even the absence of the trader.Moreover, two marketing channels have been identified using the mind map: a short channel (traditional) involving the breeder, butcher, and consumer, and a long channel (integrated) involving an additional actor, the trader, who might contribute to the increase of the meat price. In conclusion, this study showed that the value of the meat camel chain remains marginalized because of the multiplicity of stakeholders. This marginalization points to the fact that the intervention of the official services is diluted, in particular in the long channel, leading to clandestine trafficking and the marketing of uncontrolled camel meat.